Thiruvananthapuram : With 1,373 active Covid-19 cases and nine deaths confirmed across Kerala, the Health Department has issued a new set of instructions to hospitals and healthcare workers, both public and private, urging immediate preparedness, heightened surveillance, and strict implementation of treatment protocols.
A Google Form has been provided for online submission of drill reports. Hospitals have been asked to follow the revised ABC Guidelines 03, issued in June 2023, when treating patients with Covid-19 and influenza symptoms. Health workers must remain alert to red flag symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, low blood pressure, hemoptysis, and cyanosis in adults.
In children, warning signs include persistent high fever, feeding difficulty, somnolence, convulsions, and respiratory distress. All patients admitted with symptoms of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested for Covid-19. If Rapid Antigen Tests return negative, RT-PCR tests are mandatory. District RT-PCR facilities must be fully utilsed, the department stated.
Covid-positive and influenza patients must be isolated in separate wards or rooms, to avoid cross-infection. The department has reinforced mask mandates, especially for high-risk individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Patients, their companions, hospital staff, and anyone with flu-like symptoms in relief camps must wear masks at all times.
To reduce transmission, hospitals have been asked to limit the number of bystanders and visitors. Covid-19 testing must be conducted for any bystanders or health workers showing symptoms. Hospitals must also gear up infrastructure, ensuring sufficient supplies of oxygen, medicines, PPE (N-95 masks, gloves, aprons), oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, and ICU beds.
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